DOHA: Rehabilitation projects will be implemented in Gaza this week by Education Above All’s (EAA) Al Fakhoora programme, in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA).
Al Fakhoora projects to be implemented by partners will benefit over 420,000 students, over half a million families and see over 140,000 people employed locally.
Reconstruction and rehabilitation projects include rebuilding four destroyed primary and secondary schools and buildings, 14 damaged primary and secondary schools, 10 universities, and five training centres.
A total of 218 primary and secondary schools will be refurbished, and works include equipment for classrooms, furniture and educational supplies, creation of child-friendly classrooms, renewable solar energy and generators, water pumps, wash facilities, playgrounds and sports facilities.
To address the need for psychosocial support, 11,000 teachers, 407 school counsellors and 200 professionals will be trained in child protection and psychosocial services.
Al Fakhoora’s Leadership and Development Programme will engage students through creating civic leadership opportunities to empower them to drive community initiatives.
The programme will benefit over 3,000 children and youth, over 300 Al Fakhoora students and engage over 100 Qatari youth.
Last November, Qatar Development Fund donated $40m to support Al Fakhoora programme. Subsequently, the programme signed agreements with UNDP, Unicef and UNWRA.
During last Ramadan, Gaza witnessed a 51-day conflict during which over 2,200 people were killed, including over 500 children, and more than 11,000 people injured.
The conflict caused destruction and damage of tens of thousands of homes, hospitals, schools and educational facilities.
Working with Unicef and UNDP, Al Fakhoora will respond to the current deficit of classrooms in Gaza.
Rehabilitation of damaged schools is expected to start in the second week of this month, followed by rehabilitation of five partially damaged vocational training centres and 10 universities and colleges.
UNDP will build capacity of facilities for mental health and employment prospects through training and employee mentorship.
UNRWA will refurbish schools damaged by refugees fleeing homes during the conflict.
On this week’s meetings with the UN agencies, Farooq Burney, Director, Al Fakhoora, said, “We aim to put funds received from Qatar Development Fund to the best use in Gaza and by collaborating with partners, our goal is to build back better and make a difference to thousands of children, youth and families in Gaza.
“All programmes are designed with a leadership and development component to ensure students, youth and children are directly involved in the reconstruction of Gaza and provide them with lifelong leadership skills,” he added.
The Peninsula
